Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has thrown his weight behind Shivam Dube as the more reliable bowling option over Nitish Kumar Reddy in New Zealand conditions, ahead of the first T20I on Thursday, 23 October 2026. Nayar cited Dube's international track record, ability to generate bounce from a tall frame, and clutch performances in high-pressure fixtures as key differentiators.

Why Nayar Backs Dube Over Reddy

Nayar drew a clear line between franchise cricket and international responsibility. While Nitish Kumar Reddy has impressed with the ball for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, Nayar argued that Dube's contributions in global tournaments carry more weight when it comes to team selection and bowling combination decisions.

'I think there is more trust in Shivam Dube because he has done it for India. Nitish Kumar Reddy has bowled well for SRH, but so far for India in T20Is, unfortunately, he hasn't played that role yet. In the World Cup, we saw that in big matches, Shivam Dube took big wickets with his bouncers, with his line and short-pitched length. So, I think there is more trust in Shivam Dube overall,' Nayar said.

He also pointed to Dube's batting position and power-hitting ability as factors that make him a better fit for India's current team makeup. 'Also, with the power and the number at which he bats, I think he suits the Indian team and its makeup right now. So, I believe that, especially in New Zealand conditions, Shivam Dube will be more effective because he hits the deck. Shivam Dube is a tall bowler, which gives him a little more bounce than Nitish Kumar Reddy in foreign conditions,' he told JioStar.

Kuldeep Yadav's Role in New Zealand

Nayar also identified Kuldeep Yadav as a potentially decisive tactical weapon in these conditions. He noted that where seam and swing assist the pacers early in an innings, wrist-spin can become even more effective once the ball stops deviating off the surface — adding a dimension that orthodox spin cannot replicate.

'There will be a bit of seam and swing, and often, in conditions where there is no deviation off the pitch, a wrist spinner comes into play because the trajectory is different, and the ball will skid slightly. I always believe that when Kuldeep Yadav bowls, there is a question in every team's mind, mostly among foreign players, about how to tackle him,' Nayar explained.

He added that the strategic uncertainty Kuldeep creates — around which overs he will bowl after the powerplay — gives India a planning advantage. 'When will Kuldeep Yadav be used? Post six overs. When will Varun Chakaravarthy be used? Post six overs. There, I feel Kuldeep Yadav will give another dimension to the Indian team, especially against New Zealanders in those conditions,' he stated.

Series Context and What to Watch

India and New Zealand face off in the first T20I on Thursday, kicking off what promises to be a closely contested series. The selection debate between Dube and Reddy reflects a broader question about India's optimal bowling combination in overseas T20 conditions — a challenge that has grown sharper following the squad's World Cup experience. Notably, both players bring genuine all-round value, and the final call will likely hinge on which combination the team management trusts most in conditions favouring the seamers early on.

With the series set to unfold over the coming days, India's bowling unit — and Kuldeep's deployment in particular — will be closely watched by analysts and opposition camps alike.